What kind of nightmare would happen if you lost your dog’s shot records? From how you clicked this article, I guess that nightmare has become a reality.
So what happens when you actually lose your vaccination records? You won’t be able to provide them when your vet asks for them.
Also, your vet won’t be able to rule out diseases if you’re unsure if your dog’s vaccinated against them. You’ll be in trouble if you don’t have proof of vaccinations.
What will happen if you don’t have your dog’s vaccination records?
Suppose you are a parent to a lovely pup. In that case, vaccination records are one of the main things that should be included in your emergency stuff because you might never know when you might need them.
Now let’s first see the things that include in these vaccination records.
The basic vaccines include the DHLPP vaccines. They are distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza. All of these are very dangerous illnesses, and taking them as soon as recommended is necessary. Also, your dog will definitely need the rabies vaccine as well.
So now, let’s turn to the main question. You lost them or adopted a dog without his vaccination records. What really could happen?
1. You need them when they fall sick.
The first and foremost thing that could happen is that you might fall in trouble if your dog falls sick and you go to the vet. It is not a criminal offense, but you might be a step away from helping your vet to bring your lovely pup back to health.
This is because vaccination records are checked to cut out the possibility of some diseases.
2. If your dog is not vaccinated, he might get infected.
This can happen if your dog is not vaccinated for some diseases. At the same time, you have also lost the records. If so, there is a great risk of your dog getting infected with one of the above-mentioned diseases.
Even taking out your unvaccinated puppy is extremely dangerous.
You need to ensure he is not at risk of being ill with any diseases. So to do this, you need to consult your vet and talk to him about getting the DAP vaccination as well as the rabies vaccine.
Remember as many details as possible, but if you can’t, tell him you’re not sure your pup is vaccinated. He will give what’s appropriate for your dog, depending on the age.
Because getting vaccines again will not hurt him, and not getting them will hurt him and you.
3. Some vaccination records are required by law!
You’re in trouble with some vaccines, especially Rabies! This is because it is highly contagious and 100% lethal. If your dog doesn’t have a vaccination for Rabies and bites someone, this could cause chaos.
However, if your dog falls sick while you have lost vaccination records or never had them in the first place, do not be worried. Because they are not compulsory for your vet to examine your dog’s illness, they can be very useful.
When you know your pet’s vaccination history, you can avoid giving needless vaccines and help your vet treat your dog to the most optimum level.
Read this if your dog has never been to the vet.
If the dog has been vaccinated before, can you retrieve vaccination records?
Yes, definitely. But that is if you’re certain your dog’s vaccinated and you know from which clinic and if they keep records of previous treatments. If you are aware of the answers to these questions, go ahead! You can get your vaccination records!
Make sure you give the clinic accurate details, like the name of your dog and your name, to get the correct records. Be sure not to mess up the spelling if the records are in digital format.
However, if there is no way to retrieve them and you have the vaccination recorded somewhere else correctly, ask your vet if he can provide a new replacement card.
This will help you solve many problems, but you should remember the vaccines and dates accurately.
What if you don’t know if your dog has been vaccinated before?
This is where the trouble comes! This can be mainly common in rescued dogs; if there is no way you can get any info on them. There’re a few things that you can do.
1. Vaccination all over again!
As I mentioned above, the answer is to vaccinate your dog again under the vet’s supervision. This is because there is no real assurance that the previous owner or breeder gave the vaccination or that the dog was with an owner in the first place. Vaccinating again will not hurt him.
2. Vaccination titers.
This is another thing you can do. This is a way to determine whether your dog is vaccinated or not, but it is not an easy way. Vaccine titers are blood tests that check the levels of antibodies for a disease.
You can determine if the pet has been vaccinated or exposed to the disease. Then you can administer the vaccination if needed.
But, nothing ever comes for free, does it? This can be a complicated process that might cost you some bucks.
Why should you keep your dog’s vaccination records?
This is a good question. As I said above, vaccination records are very important, and let’s see why.
1. Health issues.
If your beloved pup is faced with a disease, your vet will find it easier to treat him if there are vaccination records that can be provided. Then he can eliminate the possibility of infection of diseases your pet is vaccinated against.
2. Legal issues.
As I mentioned above, you need proof that your dog is vaccinated for Rabies. If not, you can get into real trouble. If your dog is infected with Rabies and decides to bite you or someone else, this can mean death, literally DEATH.
3. You need them if you give your pet for adoption.
It is a hard thing, but there are times when you might have to give your beloved pet away for some reason, like going abroad, financial issues, legal issues, etc.
Whatever the reason, if this is a situation where you have to provide the vaccination records to your pet’s next owner.
Things to be aware of.
When it comes to vaccination, there are several things you need to be aware of. And all this includes your veterinarian’s advice.
1. You’re dog might be allergic to vaccination.
Mostly these reactions that dogs have to vaccinations are temporary and not of significance. But more severe reactions that need your vet’s attention can rarely occur. These reactions are called anaphylaxis.
A severe allergic reaction can include breathing difficulties, vomiting, swelling, itchiness, and diarrhea. So when revaccination, when your dog’s vaccination records are lost, you should keep this in mind.
2. Other side effects of vaccination.
There can be other side effects because your dog’s immune system responds to vaccination. These can include lethargy, sluggishness, and even fever.
These are normal occurrences, but if your dog was revaccinated, you should be alert until these symptoms go away. If they won’t, contact the vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion.
As I mentioned above, vaccination records are one of the crucial things you can have as a pet mom or dad. However, losing them can happen more commonly than you think, and as a vet student, believe me, I know!
You should try these things to overcome this issue and get back to the amazing life you have with your lovely pup. Hope this article helped you to achieve that. Good luck, and I hope you won’t lose your vaccination records.. again!
